South African bridge collapse, two killed, dozens injured

At least two people have been reported killed following the collapse of a temporary bridge on one of South Africa’s busiest roads.

According to Independent UK, a taxi driver was reportedly among those who died when the bridge parted onto the M1 motorway in Sandton, Johannesburg. The accident happened at noonday on Wednesday, October 14.

The rescue team had to search though the scaffolding of the bridge for likely survivors. Photo: Reuters

Mayor Parks Tau told News24 on behalf of the authorities that there were indications that a third person may also have been killed.

Twenty others were reported injured, including five who are believed to be in critical condition.

Following the bridge collapse, there were road closures and traffic jams on the major highway.

The bridge was errected by contractor Murray & Roberts, as the part of a construction project, which was designed to link the Alexandra neighbourhood to Sandton.

In reaction to the sad event, the company said: “Murray & Roberts can confirm that this afternoon, a support structure that was erected to enable the construction of a pedestrian bridge… collapsed.”

At least five persons were reported to be in the battle for their lives.

The bridge reportedly collapsed on a commercial vehicle. A driver reportedly died on the spot. Photo: Reuters

“The exact cause of the incident is not known at this time. All our incident response procedures have been initiated, our support services have been [mobilised] and relevant authorities have been advised,” the company said.

In an interview with Eyewitness News, Nthatisi Modingoane, a spokesperson for the City of Johannesburg, said: “We want to institute a proper investigation so that we can get to the bottom of this issue because people have lost lives, people have been injured and they have had their property damaged.”

The bridge was erected as part of a construction project, which was designed to link the Alexandra neighbourhood to Sandton. Photo: Reuters

After the accident, emergency services were trying to free people from a vehicle trapped beneath the scaffolding of the bridge.

A spokesman for Johannesburg Emergency Services, Robert Mulaudzi, told eNCA:“There is an unconfirmed number of people trapped in the vehicle and emergency workers are attempting to get them out.

“There was a taxi also involved in the accident. People that were in the taxi are being treated at the scene for minor injuries.”